Adolescent Siblings Research Articles

A call to child welfare: Protect children from sibling abuse

Sibling abuse is extremely common, yet child welfare does not provide statutes for its identification and workers are not trained to identify its occurrence. This retrospective study explored adults survivors’ experiences of childhood and adolescent sibling abuse and the family environment that engendered hostile sibling relationships. The varying parental responses from punitive to neglect to collusion with the perpetrator resulted in feelings of helplessness and worthlessness in the victim. Personal narratives of survivors highlight the sibling abusive experience and underscore its devastating repercussions. Recommendations are presented for child welfare to establish sibling abuse as a phenomenon in need of recognition and include siblings in risk assessment.

Parents' differential treatment and adolescents' delinquent behaviors: direct and indirect effects of difference-score and perception-based measures.

A body of work reveals that parents' differential treatment (PDT) is linked to adolescents' adjustment. To date, researchers have generally used 1 of 2 different methods of assessing PDT-difference scores or perception-based measures-yet have largely failed to consider whether these measures index similar or distinct aspects of PDT. The current study examined these distinctions and the conceptual and empirical links between these 2 approaches by assessing the direct and indirect associations (difference scores via perceptions) of PDT and adolescents' delinquency and substance use. Furthermore, we explored whether these within-family differences were moderated by between-family differences in levels of parenting. Data were analyzed from 282 adolescent sibling pairs (N = 564; older siblings, M = 17.17 years old, SD = .94; younger siblings, M = 14.52 years old, SD = 1.27). Results from structural equation models revealed that for youth in affectively mild (low in conflict and intimacy) and intense families (high in conflict and intimacy), difference scores and perceptions were uniquely and directly linked to adjustment, such that less favored treatment and the perception of less favored treatment was linked to greater participation in delinquent activities and substance use. In addition, in several instances, difference scores for youth in affectively mild and intense families were indirectly linked to delinquency and substance use through the perception of PDT. Discussion focuses on the distinctions and links between these 2 approaches within the social comparison theory framework and the greater context of family levels of conflict and intimacy.

Anorexia nervosa in the family: a sibling's perspective

Purpose: There is growing evidence that siblings have a role to play in the recovery from adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN), yet we know very little about the effect that AN has on them and what they do to cope. This study aims to investigate the impact of AN on adolescent siblings. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 adolescent siblings of young people being treated for AN, and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The results indicate that the effects of AN on the sibling relationship can be variable, with older siblings with a pre-existing close relationship with the patient faring the best. Siblings described a number of factors that supported coping, including knowing more about the illness, the need for regular ‘time-out’ from stressful events and interactions and close supportive relationships with family members. Involvement in family-based treatment appeared to improve understanding of AN and enhanced communication within the family. Problems with family-based therapy (F...

Evidence for Corticostriatal Dysfunction During Cognitive Skill Learning in Adolescent Siblings of Patients With Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia

Patients with schizophrenia perform poorly on cognitive skill learning tasks. This study is the first to investigate the neural basis of impairment in cognitive skill learning in first-degree adolescent relatives of patients with schizophrenia. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to compare activation in 16 adolescent siblings of patients with childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) and 45 adolescent controls to determine whether impaired cognitive skill learning in individuals with genetic risk for schizophrenia was associated with specific patterns of neural activation. The siblings of patients with COS were severely impaired on the Weather Prediction Task (WPT) and showed a relative deactivation in frontal regions and in the striatum after extensive training on the WPT compared with controls. These differences were not accounted for by performance differences in the 2 groups. The results suggest that corticostriatal dysfunction may be part of the liability for schizophrenia.

Differing Domains of Actual Sibling Conflict Discussions and Associations with Conflict Styles and Relationship Quality

AbstractFour types of sibling conflict were identified in actual adolescent sibling discussions: equality and fairness, invasion of the personal domain, intrinsic harm, and relationships. Older [M = 14.97, standard deviation (SD) = 1.69 years] and younger siblings (M = 12.20, SD = 1.90 years) from 144 dyads discussed conflicts during a semi‐structured conflict task. Trained observers coded the topics discussed, and separate observers rated their conflict styles, whereas siblings rated their relationship quality. The proportion of conflicts of each domain differed by dyadic gender composition. Equality and fairness conflicts (and invasion of the personal domain conflicts for sister–sister pairs) were discussed the most frequently whereas intrinsic harm conflicts were associated with destructive conflict styles. Siblings' discussions of conflicts involving intrinsic harm were associated with older siblings' reports of negative relationship quality. The associations between these conflict topics and negative relationship quality were mediated by the siblings discussing the conflicts in destructive ways.

Associations Between Adolescent Sibling Conflict and Relationship Quality During the Transition to College

Family researchers have acknowledged the importance of sibling relationships across the life span, but little is known about how this relationship functions during the transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood. The present study therefore examined how two domains of adolescent sibling conflict (equality and fairness issues and personal domain invasions) are related to sibling relationship quality after firstborns leave home to attend college, from the perspectives of firstborn and secondborn siblings from the same families. Our findings suggest that frequent or intense sibling conflicts during adolescence may be related to more positive and less negative sibling relationships the first year after older siblings leave home, and that conflicts surrounding issues of equality and fairness may facilitate more egalitarian relationships during emerging adulthood for some siblings. It therefore seems that the sibling relationship during the adolescent years may have important implications for its long-term functioning into adulthood.

Our Problems Are Your Sibling's Fault: Exploring the Connections Between Conflict Styles of Siblings During Adolescence and Later Adult Committed Relationships

The present study examined the connection between conflict styles used with siblings in adolescence and conflict styles utilized in current romantic committed relationships. Questionnaires were administered to 144 participants. Results indicate that multiple types of conflict styles used with siblings during adolescence correspond to similar conflict styles used in adult romantic relationships. Implications for therapy and family life education are discussed.

Still the Favorite? Parents' Differential Treatment of Siblings Entering Young Adulthood

This study examined within-family stability in parents' differential treatment of siblings from adolescence to young adulthood and the effect of differential treatment in young adulthood on grown siblings' relationship quality. The author used longitudinal data on parent - child and sibling relations from the sibling sample of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 1,470 sibling dyads). Within-dyad fixed effects regression models revealed that the adolescent sibling who was closer to parents went on to be the young adult sibling who was closer to and received more material support from parents. Results from an actor - partner interdependence model revealed that differential parental financial assistance of young adult siblings predicted worse sibling relationship quality. These findings demonstrate the lasting importance of affect between parents and offspring earlier in the family life course and the relevance of within-family inequalities for understanding family relations.

Similarities and Differences in Adolescent Siblings’ Alcohol-Related Attitudes, Use, and Delinquency: Evidence for Convergent and Divergent Influence Processes

A growing body of research indicates that siblings influence each other's risky and deviant behaviors during adolescence. Guided by research and theory on sibling similarities and differences, this study examined the operation and implications of three different influence processes--social learning, shared friends, and sibling differentiation--during adolescence. Participants included one parent and two adolescent siblings (earlier born age: M = 17.17 years, SD = 0.94; later born age: M = 14.52 years, SD = 1.27) from 326 families. Data were collected via telephone interviews. Using reports from both older and younger siblings, two-stage cluster analyses revealed three influence profiles: mutual modeling and shared friends, younger sibling admiration, and differentiation. Additional analyses revealed that mutual modeling and shared friends as well as younger sibling admiration were linked to similarities in brothers' and sisters' health-risk behaviors and attitudes, whereas differentiation processes were associated with divergence in siblings' characteristics. The discussion focuses on refining the study of sibling influence, with particular attention paid to the operation and implications of both convergent and divergent influence processes.

Ongelijkheden in het ervaren van conflict in een adolescente siblingdyade: de effecten van geboortevolgorde, geboorteafstand en gendersamenstelling

In this article we investigate which structural characteristics of siblings within the dyad cause that some adolescent siblings experience more conflict with each other than others. Regarding the family as a system with a certain status hierar¬ chy, four hypotheses can be formulated about the effects of birth order, spacing and gender constellation. Especially for this study data has been collected of adolescents between 12 and 18 years old from the region of Bruges. Using multilevel analysis, the hypotheses were tested in a sample of 139 dyads. Results indicate that the birth order of the siblings within the dyad and the gender constellation of the dyad determine the amount of perceived conflict in the sibling relation¬ ship. The spacing of siblings does not play a role for sibling conflict in this study. Structural characteristics of siblings and dyads explain thus differences between dyads and between siblings within a dyad.

Gene-environment correlation underlying the association between parental negativity and adolescent externalizing problems.

Studies of adolescent or parent-based twins suggest that gene-environment correlation (rGE) is an important mechanism underlying parent-adolescent relationships. However, information on how parents' and children's genes and environments influence correlated parent and child behaviors is needed to distinguish types of rGE. The present study used the novel Extended Children of Twins model to distinguish types of rGE underlying associations between negative parenting and adolescent (age 11-22 years) externalizing problems with a Swedish sample of 909 twin parents and their adolescent offspring and a U.S.-based sample of 405 adolescent siblings and their parents. Results suggest that evocative rGE, not passive rGE or direct environmental effects of parenting on adolescent externalizing, explains associations between maternal and paternal negativity and adolescent externalizing problems.

The Impact of Heart Transplant on Adolescent Siblings

Purpose Evidence shows that there is a significant impact of having a sibling with a chronic illness. However there is no literature regarding this phenomenon in siblings of heart transplant (HTx) recipients. Adolescence is an intense stage of development which may amplify stressful experiences. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of having a sibling with a HTx during the vulnerable period of adolescence. Methods and Materials Qualitative methodology was used to understand the perceptions and experiences of adolsecents who have a sibling with a HTx. Data collection included a semi-structured focus group interview with adolescent siblings of HTx recipients. A phenomenological theoretical framework guided data collection and analysis. Results Six adolescent siblings, (mean age 15(±1.8) yrs, 5 males) of HTx recipients participated in a focus group discussion. Participants siblings were 7.4 (± 7.0) yrs old and 3.0(±5.3) yrs post transplant at the time of the study. Focus group transcript review revealed consistent themes involving various domains of social and psychological functioning. The adolescent participants universally expressed feelings of protectiveness for their sibling – from both physical and emotional harm. Study participants also identified disruption in family functioning and daily activities as stressors that were heightened during periods of the siblings’ acute illness. Specific areas of disruption included school routines, living arrangements and parental stress and availability. Conclusions This qualitative study reveals important themes regarding the impact of having a sibling with a HTx on adolescents. Increased attention to sibling needs is indicated. This may include counseling to explore feelings of responsibility for the ill sibling and strategies to minimize the disruption of family routines and relationships during acute illness. Further research is required to examine such interventions.

Similarities in Adolescent Siblings’ Substance Use: Testing Competing Pathways of Influence

An accumulating body of work indicates that siblings uniquely influence each other's alcohol and substance use behaviors during adolescence. The mechanisms underlying these associations, however, are unknown because most studies have not measured sibling influence processes. The present study addressed this gap by exploring the links between multiple influence processes and sibling similarities in alcohol and substance use. The sample included one parent and two adolescent siblings (earlier born age: M = 17.17 years, SD = 0.94; later born age: M = 14.52 years, SD = 1.27) from 326 families. Data were collected via telephone interviews with parents and the two siblings. A series of logistic regressions revealed that, after parents' and peers' use as well as other variables including parenting was statistically controlled for, older siblings' alcohol and other substance use was positively associated with younger siblings' patterns of use. Furthermore, sibling modeling and shared friends were significant moderators of these associations. For adolescents' alcohol use, the links between sibling modeling and shared peer networks were interactive, such that the associations between modeling and similarity in alcohol use were stronger when siblings shared friends. Future research should continue to investigate the ways in which siblings influence each other because such processes are emerging targets for intervention and prevention efforts.

Differential Associations Between Domains of Sibling Conflict and Adolescent Emotional Adjustment

Issues of equality and fairness and invasion of the personal domain, 2 previously identified topic areas of adolescent sibling conflict (N. Campione-Barr & J. G. Smetana, 2010), were examined in 145 dyads (Mfirst-born = 14.97, SD = 1.69 years; Msecond-born = 12.20, SD = 1.90 years) for their differential effects on youths' emotional adjustment over 1 year. The impact of internalizing symptoms on later sibling conflicts also was tested. Invasion of the personal domain conflicts were associated with higher levels of anxiety and lower self-esteem 1 year later, whereas Equality and Fairness issues were associated with greater depressed mood. Conversely, greater internalizing symptomatology and lower self-esteem predicted more of both types of conflict. Moderating influences of gender and ordinal position were also examined.

The perceptions and experiences of adolescent siblings who have a brother with autism spectrum disorder

Background There is a dearth of research on the perspectives of adolescent siblings growing up with a brother or sister with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Method Semistructured interviews were used to elicit the perceptions and experiences of 12 typically developing adolescents with a brother with an ASD. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used.Results The data analysis of the siblings’ perceptions yielded 6 themes: (a) difficulties and negative impact of their brother's condition on themselves and their family, (b) how others’ reactions to their brother negatively affected them as siblings, (c) how their histories with their brothers contextualised their present circumstances, (d) the varying degrees of acceptance and tolerance towards their brothers, (e) positive perceptions and experiences with their brothers, and (f) their thoughts and worries about the future.Conclusions The main implications are for supports to adolescent siblings by helping them to develop skills in managing others’ reactions and openly discussing concerns about their brother's future.

Représentation de soi chez des adolescents ayant un frère ou une sœur autiste

ObjectiveAuthors propose clinical research data about psychic functioning of adolescent siblings of children with autism. Literature review shows that the main purpose is about adolescent development with atypical environment. MethodsClinical scales and personality tests give information about self-esteem, anxiety, self-image, narcissism, body image. Samples comparisons, clinical group of adolescent of siblings versus control group of typical adolescent. Statistic method and clinical analyses are given to discuss clinical data. ResultsSelf-image is perturbed but adaptative functioning is generally observed in the clinical group. A real psychic suffer exists for adolescents of siblings that can be described by means of three process screening self-image, nevertheless it does not clearly appear during childhood and adolescenthood.

Tdap vaccine should be discussed with pregnant patients, infant caregivers

Tdap vaccine should be discussed with pregnant patients, infant caregivers

Deficits in probabilistic classification learning and liability for schizophrenia

Patients with schizophrenia show deficits in skill learning. We tested the hypothesis that impaired skill learning is associated with liability for schizophrenia by determining if it is present in non-affected siblings of patients. This study examined cognitive skill learning in adolescent siblings of patients with childhood onset schizophrenia (COS), who are at high genetic risk for the disorder, and age-matched controls. A probabilistic classification task was used to assess cognitive skill learning, which has been shown to be impaired in patients with striatal dysfunction or schizophrenia. Differences between the groups emerged within the first 50 trials of training: the controls showed significant learning while the COS siblings did not. Furthermore, after extended training over 800 additional trials the siblings of COS probands reached a lower level of asymptotic performance than controls. These results suggest that a behavioral impairment in probabilistic classification learning in healthy, unaffected siblings mirrors the deficits seen in patients and thus may reflect genetic liability for the disease

A comparative study of heart rate variability among adolescent siblings of patients with bipolar disorder type I and matched controls

A comparative study of heart rate variability among adolescent siblings of patients with bipolar disorder type I and matched controls

Exploring the factors contributing to sibling correlations in BMI: a study using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics.

Understanding the mechanisms contributing to correlated BMI outcomes in a social network such as siblings will help policy makers reduce the burden of disease associated with obesity. There are two potential mechanisms explaining correlated BMI outcomes in a biologically related social network: (i) time constant factors such as genetic heritability and habits formed during childhood and (ii) factors that change over time some of which are dependent on the frequency of interactions between the social network, for example, social norms shaped by the social network's shifting attitudes towards weight and behaviors related to weight, or environmental factors like opportunities for exercise. This study aims to distinguish between time constant factors from factors that are likely to change over time to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms explaining the correlation in sibling BMI. We exploit data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) over 1999–2007 estimating the correlation in BMI for adult siblings who currently live in separate households but grew-up in the same household and adolescent siblings currently living in the same household to isolate the influence of factors that change over time. The findings indicate that time constant factors explain some of the overall correlation in sibling BMI for both cohorts of siblings. Factors that change over time only significantly impact on the overall correlation in BMI for adolescent siblings suggesting if there is a social network influence on correlations in BMI this is facilitated by sharing the same household.